Systems and methods for communicating between components in a hybrid environment

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods described herein provide for communication between a base component and a slate component of a hybrid computing system. The hybrid computing system is in a connected state when the base component and slate component are connected. Embodiments provide that the base component may control the slate component when the hybrid computing system is in a connected state. In addition, embodiments provide that a server module running on the display component and a client module running on the base component facilitate communication between the hybrid computing system components. Furthermore, systems and methods described herein provide that the base component may control hardware devices, peripheral devices, or software applications of the display component through communications between the server module and client module.

BACKGROUND

The number and diversity of portable electronic devices areproliferating. In addition to established technologies, such as thelaptop computer, many new form factors are constantly entering themarketplace, with a limited number eventually becoming popular withusers. A recent example of a device whose use is becoming increasinglyprevalent is the tablet computer. Although multiple forms exist, tabletcomputers generally consist of a housing that encompasses the internalcomputing components, such as processors and data storage devices, and amedium sized display screen (i.e., 7 to 10 inches). Instead of receivinginput through the customary keyboard and mouse input devices, tabletdevices generally lack these elements and instead provide userinteraction through a touch interface on the display that accepts stylusor touch gestures.

Notwithstanding the popularity of new computing device form factors,such as tablet computers, the conventional clamshell laptop computerremains a standard portable computing device for a vast majority ofusers. An example of a clamshell laptop computer is the IdeaPad® seriesof personal computers sold by Lenovo (US) Inc. of Morrisville, N.C.IdeaPad® is a trademark of Lenovo, Inc. in the United States, othercountries, or both.

Tablet and laptop computers each have their own set of advantages. Forexample, advantages for tablet computers include mobility and size,while primary reasons for preferring laptop computers include increasedprocessing power and battery life.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In summary, one aspect provides a system comprising: a base devicehaving one or more processors therein, the base device having a firstoperating system; a display device having one or more processorstherein, the display device having a second operating system; one ormore communication links between the base device and the display device;a server module running on one of the display device and the basedevice, the server module configured to provide a communicationinterface with one of the display device and the base device; and aclient module running on the other of the display device and the basedevice, the client module configured to communicate with the servermodule; wherein responsive to connecting the display device to the basedevice, the base device controls the display device throughcommunications transmitted between the client module and the servermodule.

Another aspect provides a method comprising: communicating informationthrough one or more communication links between: a base device havingone or more processors and a first operating system; and a displaydevice having one or more processors and a second operating system;running a server module on one of the display device and the basedevice, the server module configured to provide a communicationinterface with one of the display device and the base device; andrunning a client module on the other of the display device and the basedevice, the client module configured to communicate with the servermodule; wherein responsive to connecting the display device to the basedevice, the base device controls the display device throughcommunications transmitted between the client module and the servermodule.

A further aspect provides a computer program product comprising: acomputer readable storage medium having computer readable program codeembodied therewith, the computer readable program code comprising:computer readable program code configured to communicate informationthrough one or more communication links between: a base device havingone or more processors and a first operating system; and a displaydevice having one or more processors and a second operating system;computer readable program code configured to run a server module on oneof the display device and the base device, the server module configuredto provide a communication interface with one of the display device andthe base device; computer readable program code configured to run aclient module on the other of the display device and the base device,the client module configured to communicate with the server module; andcomputer readable program code configured to transmit communicationsbetween the client module and the server module, the base devicecontrolling the display device through the communications responsive toconnecting the display device to the base device.

The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications,generalizations, and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is notintended to be in any way limiting.

For a better understanding of the embodiments, together with other andfurther features and advantages thereof, reference is made to thefollowing description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example circuitry of a hybrid computer system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example hybrid computer system.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example hybrid computer system.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example connection on display device.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of communication between hybrid computingsystem components.

FIG. 6 provides a flow diagram of communication between hybrid computingsystem components.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of communication between hybridcomputing system components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, asgenerally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may bearranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations inaddition to the described embodiments. Thus, the following more detaileddescription of the example embodiments, as represented in the figures,is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, but is merelyrepresentative of those example embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the example embodiment isincluded in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or the like in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are provided to give athorough understanding of example embodiments. One skilled in therelevant art will recognize, however, that aspects can be practicedwithout one or more of the specific details, or with other methods,components, materials, et cetera. In other instances, well-knownstructures, materials, or operations are not shown or described indetail to avoid obfuscation.

Tablet computers and laptop computers are different on many levels. Theexternal structure of a clamshell laptop computer consists of two maincomponents: a lower base and an upper display portion. The lower base isa housing for laptop hardware components, including one or moreprocessors, a motherboard, memory, a keyboard, and pointing device(s).The upper display portion comprises a housing for the laptop displayscreen and other components, such as a camera, a wireless antenna andthe like. The lower base and upper display portion are hingedlyconnected to allow for opening and closing the laptop computer.

Structurally, tablet or slate computers are generally smaller and morelightweight than laptop computers, consisting only of a single portionof a laptop computer. Tablet computers integrate the display with thetypical lower base portion of a laptop computer, usually lack a physicalkeyboard, and often utilize a touch screen as an input device. Inaddition, typical tablet computers may be comprised of 7 to 10 inchdisplays, while the typical laptop computer display is 10 to 17 inches.

In addition to structural and operational differences, tablet and laptopcomputers also differ with respect to their internal software andhardware configurations. The typical laptop computer form factor housesa Win-Tel platform, comprised of an Intel x86 compatible processor andis capable of running a Microsoft WINDOWS operating system, such asWINDOWS 7 operating system. In comparison, tablet computers are mostlikely to run on lower powered processors and lighter weight operatingsystems specially designed for smaller devices. The lighter weightoperating systems are often termed ‘mobile operating systems’ and areoptimized for touch and content consumption instead of running largeapplications, such as the full version of the Microsoft WORD documentprocessing application. A popular example of a mobile operating systemis the ANDROID operating system, which has been used as the operatingsystem for mobile devices such as smartphones, netbooks, and tabletcomputers. A prominent processor family for these smaller mobiledevices, such as a tablet computer, is the ARM series of processors,such as the SNAPDRAGON BY QUALCOMM CPU. WINDOWS 7 is a registeredtrademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or othercountries. ANDROID is a registered trademark of Google Inc. in theUnited States and/or other countries. SNAPDRAGON BY QUALCOMM is aregistered trademark of Qualcomm Inc. in the United States and/or othercountries.

Tablet and laptop computers each have their own set of advantages.Advantages for tablet computers include mobility, size, weight, andincreased ease of use for certain functions, such as image manipulation.While primary reasons for preferring laptop computers are increasedprocessing power and battery life, wider choice of operating systems andapplications, and the presence of the standard keyboard and touch inputdevices. As such, it would be advantageous to provide a form factor thatincludes the functionality and features of both a laptop computer and atablet computer in one single device.

Embodiments provide for a hybrid computing system consisting of a basedevice/component operably connected/coupled to a detachable/de-coupleddisplay device/component, wherein the detachable display componentincludes the functionality of a slate/tablet computing device. Accordingto embodiments, the base component may be comprised of the lower base ofa clamshell laptop computing system, additionally having one or moreinterfaces (such as a connector) for connecting to the displaycomponent. Embodiments provide that the display component is comprisedof a tablet computing device with one or more complementary interfaces(such as a connector) for connecting to the base component. According toembodiments, the display component may function as the display screen ofthe hybrid computing system when attached to the base component, andfunction as an independent tablet computer when not attached to the basecomponent. Embodiments provide that the display component may behingeably connected with the base component allowing for the opening andclosing of the hybrid computing system.

The base component of hybrid computer system and the display componentof hybrid computer system comprise various circuitry. While variousother circuits or circuitry may be utilized, FIG. 1 depicts a blockdiagram of one example of a computer system and circuitry. For example,the circuitry depicted in FIG. 1 may be a circuitry included in basecomponent of hybrid computing system, which may correspond to circuitryincluded in the IDEAPAD series of personal computers sold by Lenovo (US)Inc. of Morrisville, N.C. However, as is apparent from the descriptionherein, components of the embodiments may include other features or onlysome of the features of the example system illustrated in FIG. 1.

The computer system of FIG. 1 includes a so-called chipset 110 (a groupof integrated circuits, or chips, that work together, chipsets) with anarchitecture that may vary depending on manufacturer (for example,INTEL®, AMD®, ARM® etc.). The architecture of the chipset 110 includes acore and memory control group 120 and an I/O controller hub 150 thatexchanges information (for example, data, signals, commands, et cetera)via a direct management interface (DMI) 142 or a link controller 144. InFIG. 1, the DMI 142 is a chip-to-chip interface (sometimes referred toas being a link between a “northbridge” and a “southbridge”). The coreand memory control group 120 include one or more processors 122 (forexample, single or multi-core) and a memory controller hub 126 thatexchange information via a front side bus (FSB) 124; noting thatcomponents of the group 120 may be integrated in a chip that supplantsthe conventional “northbridge” style architecture.

In FIG. 1, the memory controller hub 126 interfaces with memory 140 (forexample, to provide support for a type of RAM that may be referred to as“system memory”). The memory controller hub 126 further includes a LVDSinterface 132 for a display device 192 (for example, a CRT, a flatpanel, a projector, et cetera). A block 138 includes some technologiesthat may be supported via the LVDS interface 132 (for example, serialdigital video, HDMI/DVI, display port). The memory controller hub 126also includes a PCI-express interface (PCI-E) 134 that may supportdiscrete graphics 136.

In FIG. 1, the I/O hub controller 150 includes a SATA interface 151 (forexample, for HDDs, SDDs, et cetera), a PCI-E interface 152 (for example,for wireless connections 182), a USB interface 153 (for example, forinput devices 184 such as a digitizer, keyboard, mice, cameras, phones,storage, other connected devices, et cetera.), a network interface 154(for example, LAN), a GPIO interface 155, a LPC interface 170 (for ASICs171, a TPM 172, a super I/O 173, a firmware hub 174, BIOS support 175 aswell as various types of memory 176 such as ROM 177, Flash 178, andNVRAM 179), a power management interface 161, a clock generatorinterface 162, an audio interface 163 (for example, for speakers 194), aTCO interface 164, a system management bus interface 165, and SPI Flash166, which can include BIOS 168 and boot code 190. The I/O hubcontroller 150 may include gigabit Ethernet support.

The system, upon power on, may be configured to execute boot code 190for the BIOS 168, as stored within the SPI Flash 166, and thereafterprocesses data under the control of one or more operating systems andapplication software (for example, stored in system memory 140). Anoperating system may be stored in any of a variety of locations andaccessed, for example, according to instructions of the BIOS 168. Asdescribed herein, a device may include fewer or more features than shownin the system of FIG. 1.

For example, with regard to the display device/tablet circuitry, anexample includes an ARM based system (system on a chip) design. Internalbusses and the like depend on different vendors, but essentially all theperipheral devices may attach to a single chip. In contrast to thecircuitry illustrated in FIG. 1, the tablet circuitry combines theprocessor, memory control, and I/O controller hub all into a singlechip. Also, ARM based systems do not typically use SATA or PCI or LPC.Common interfaces for example include SDIO and I2C. There are powermanagement chips, and in the at least one embodiment, a single chip isused to supply BIOS like functionality and DRAM memory.

Referring to FIG. 2, therein is depicted an illustration of a hybridcomputing system according to an embodiment. The hybrid computing system201 includes a base device 202 and a display device/component 204. Thebase device 202 consists for example of a laptop circuitry such asdescribed in connection with FIG. 1 and optionally a back plate 203 isincluded for supporting the display device 204 when connected to thebase 202. The base device 202 itself has a physical keyboard 205, atouch pad 206, and a base connector element for connecting with thedisplay component connector element. For its part, display device 204is, for example, a detachable tablet and thus includes a touch screeninterface 207, a light weight operating system, one or more processors,and the like.

FIG. 3 provides an illustration of an example embodiment of a hybridcomputing system. The hybrid computer system 301 has at least twostates. For example, the hybrid computer system includes a connectedstate when the tablet 304 is connected to the base 302, and adisconnected state when the tablet 304 is not connected to the base 302.

When the hybrid computer system 301 is in the disconnected state, thetablet 304 operates as an independent tablet computer. As such, thetablet CPU 308 and the tablet operating system 309 control the operationof the tablet 304, including the display screen 307, peripherals such asa camera 310, microphone 311, speaker 312, shared wireless antenna 315,accelerometer (not shown), SD card (not shown), other similar peripheraldevices, and tablet software applications 313. In the disconnectedstate, the tablet 304 uses the touch interface module 314 for userinteraction through combined display and touch screen, and the sharedwireless antenna 315 for network communications.

The hybrid computer system 301 assumes the connected state when thetablet 304 and the base 302 are connected, as for example through theirrespective connector elements 316, 317. In the example embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3, the connector elements include USB and I2Cconnections, as well as a power connection for charging tablet 304battery (not shown) while it is connected to the base 302.

When in the connected state, the tablet and its peripherals arecontrolled by the base CPU 318, base controller 319, and base operatingsystem 320. Essentially, the tablet 304 becomes a display device for thehybrid computer system 301 similar to the display component of aconventional laptop computer. As such, the tablet CPU 308 and tabletoperating system 309 do not control, via controller 321, peripherals,when the hybrid computer system 301 is in the connected state, thoughthe tablet operating system may be running in the connected state.

The base CPU 318, base controller 319, and base operating system 320control the display screen 307 and any peripherals which may be locatedin the tablet 304. The base power system (not shown) charges the battery(not shown) located in the base 302 regardless of the connection stateof the hybrid computer system 301. However, when the hybrid computersystem is in the connected state, the base power system also charges theslate battery via a power connection element, which may be collocatedwith base connector element 316 and display connector element 317.

In a coupled environment, there are two computing systems, that is aprimary system (base device 302), and a secondary system (display device304 taking the form of a tablet). These systems share access to variousperipheral devices and/or internal components, depending on the state(connected or disconnected). Each system is capable of operatingindependently.

In coordinating the primary and secondary systems in terms ofcontrolling secondary system elements, including, but not limited to,secondary system hardware, peripherals, and software, one function is toensure adequate communication between the devices. The base devicecontrols the tablet device, including tablet device hardware, software,and peripheral devices, when the hybrid computing system is in theconnected state. However, responsive to disconnection, the table actsindependently and assumes controls of internal hardware, software, andperipheral devices such that it operates as an independent tabletcomputing device.

In order to coordinate control between the primary and secondarysystems, embodiments provide systems and methods to ensure adequatecommunication. Communication takes place via a connection, which may bephysical (wired) or wireless, and communications are exchanged accordingto one or more communication protocols.

The tablet 304 is a thin device with a display 307 and touch interface314, with a few other connectors or buttons. A connector 317 on thetablet allows attaching it to the base device dock 316. Switchingelectronics (“switches” in FIG. 3) in the tablet 304 permit the display307, touch interface 314, camera 310, microphone 311 and similarperipherals on the tablet 304 to be used by the base device 302 whilethe tablet 304 is attached. Power from the AC power supply attached tothe base device 302 or power from the battery in the base device 302 canbe used to charge the battery in the tablet 304.

Communications between the base 302 and the tablet 304 preferably takeplace at two levels. Control of machine-state, security and otherhardware related functions is provided by communications between anembedded controller 318 in the base device 302 and controller 321 on thetablet 304. This communication link may use protocols like I2C or LPC.At a second level, higher bandwidth communications between the CPU 318in the base device 302 and the CPU 308 in the tablet 304 can be used tomove large amounts of data, such as video files. This link may usemethods like USB, PCI express or Ethernet.

The connector 316, 317 between the tablet 302 and base 304 thus mayinclude power connection, low speed communications, and high speedcommunications for data and peripheral devices. The connector 316, 317,along with other mechanical strengthening components such as a backplate 203 or socket support the tablet 302 when attached and allowoperation as a clamshell type computer.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example connector element 417 on display device(tablet) 404. Tablet 404 includes a physical connector element 417 thatincludes inlets 424A, 424B for permitting insertion of mechanicalstrengthening components on complementary connector element of the basedevice. Furthermore, connector element 417 includes electricalconnection portion 425 that supports communication links, for examplebetween controllers of base device and tablet 404, as well as powerconnection(s), such as for charging battery of tablet 404. Tablet indisconnected state operates independently, including combineddisplay/touch screen interface 407.

The slate and base components comprising the hybrid computing systemmust be able to communicate with each other when in a connected state.Embodiments provide for a Hybrid System Manager Service that facilitatescommunication between the slate and base components of the hybridcomputing system. According to embodiments, the Hybrid System ManagerService operates to manage communication between the slate component andthe base component through a server module running on the slatecomponent and a client module running on the base component. However, itis not necessary that the server module run on the slate component andthe client module run on the base component. As such, embodimentsprovide that the server module may run on the base component and theclient module may run on the display component. The Hybrid SystemManager Service may utilize HTTP for communication between the base anddisplay components according to certain embodiments. However, othercommunication protocols, specifications, and transmission structures maybe also be used either independently or in some combination thereof.Embodiments provide that the base component may control the slatecomponent through HTTP communication between the two components.

Referring to FIG. 5, therein is depicted an example embodiment. A hybridcomputing system 501 is illustrated that is comprised of a slatecomponent 502 connected to a base component 503. The slate component 502hosts a servlet 504 enabled web server 505 that provides an interface506 to HTTP enabled clients. The servlet 504 runs in the web server 505and provides HTTP communication. The web server 505 has a back endservice 507 run by the slate component operating system 508.Communication is passed through the servlet 504 to the service 507. Thebase component 503 contains a client module 509 for communicating withthe slate component 502 through the interface 506. As a non-limitingexample, the base component 503 may communicate with the slate component502 to control the state of hardware, peripheral, and software systemson the slate component 502. The base component 503 sends a request 510to the web server 504 through the client module 509 and the web server504 sends a response 511 back. Embodiments provide that the web server505 may also support server based notifications to clients. Inembodiments provided herein, the client is the base component 503.According to embodiments, the server based notifications to clientsprovides for, inter alia, notification to the base in real time of aconfiguration or state change on the slate component 502.

Referring to FIG. 6, therein is depicted a flow diagram illustrating anexample of communication between components of the hybrid computingsystem in the connected state. A state change on the base platform isdetected 601. As a non-limiting example, the state change may be achange to the system locale of the hybrid computing system. The basecommunication module, which facilitates communication from the basecomponent to the slate component, makes a communication request 602containing information concerning the state change. The information sentin the request may include, but is not limited to, state change data andthe slate component modules or services necessary to implement thechange on the slate component. The communication request 602 may then bepassed to the slate component 603 and to the service running on theslate component that will make the actual change on the slate component604. The state change may then be implemented on the slate component605.

Referring to FIG. 7, therein is illustrated an example of communicatinga setting change according to an embodiment. A hybrid computing system701 is in the connected state such that a base component 702 is operablycoupled with a slate component 703 through one or more connectorelements 710. Embodiments provide that the one or more connectorelements may be physical or wireless connections. Modules 704 on thebase component 702 watch for instances on the base component 702 thatevoke communication to the display component 704.

In the non-limiting example embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the instanceis a settings change. However, communications from the base component702 to the display component are not so limited, and may include, butare not limited to, the opening or closing of software applications, webpages, and documents. In addition, embodiments provide that the modules704 may be hardware based, software based, or a combination thereof, andmay be dedicated to watching certain settings or polling for settingschanges at specific time intervals. Furthermore, embodiments providethat communication between the base component 702 and the slatecomponent 703 may be continuous, as opposed to event-driven, such thatcomponent conditions may continuously be communicated between the basecomponent 702 and the slate component 703.

When a change is detected, a message 705 is generated on the basecomponent 702 and communicated to the server 706 running on the slatecomponent 703. Additionally, the slate component 703 may acknowledgereceipt 707 of the message and call the service 708 that will change thesetting. As a non-limiting example, a user may change a display settingon the base system (e.g., brightness), this change is detected by amodule 704 on the base computer 702 and communicated to the slatecomputer 703 as depicted in FIG. 7, such that the corresponding displaysetting on the slate component is modified accordingly.

According to embodiments, a server for facilitating communication runson the slate component and a client process runs on the base component.Embodiments provide that the server may be a web server that facilitatesHTTP communication. Embodiments provide that the base component maycontinually communicate data to the slate component when the hybridcomputing system is in the connected state. In addition, embodimentsprovide that the communication between the base component and the slatecomponent may be bi-directional such that if the server has informationfor the client, the server may send a message to the client to requestthe information.

The base and slate components may communicate using various methods.Embodiments provide that the base and slate components may communicateusing methods including, but not limited to, USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi,communication via Internet, or a combination thereof. As a non-limitingexample, the base and slate components may communicate over a physicalUSB connection, then transfer communication to a wireless networkconnection upon being separated or moved further apart. As such,embodiments provide that a connection between the base and slatecomponents may not necessarily be a physical connection, but may be awireless or Internet connection.

When the hybrid computing system is connected, settings and informationmay be communicated from base component to slate component, from slatecomponent to base component, or both. Embodiments provide for acontinuity of user experience between interacting with the hybridcomputing system in the connected state and the slate component inindependent form. According to embodiments, transferred settings mayinclude environment settings, including, but not limited to, display andaudio settings. Embodiments also provide that information regardingoperating system environment settings, such as web browser shortcuts andpower settings, may be transferred. Embodiments may be configured tocommunicate which applications and web sites are active on a particularcomponent. Embodiments may provide for the transfer of media files andtheir playback status. Embodiments may also be arranged to mapapplications in one component operating environment to the othercomponent operating environment. As a non-limiting example, the basecomponent may be running the WINDOWS 7 operating system and have adocument open in the MICROSOFT WORD word processing application whilethe hybrid computing system is in a connected state. When the slatecomputer, which is running the ANDROID operating system, is disconnectedfrom the hybrid computing system, the MICROSOFT WORD word processingapplication may be mapped to the corresponding QUICKOFFICE applicationrunning on the slate computer such that the document may be opened inQUICKWORD word processing application.

Embodiments provide for facilitating communication between a slatecomponent and a base component of a hybrid computing system. Accordingto embodiments, a Hybrid System Manager Service operates to managecommunication between the slate component and the base component througha server module running on the slate component and a client modulerunning on the base component. Embodiments provide that communicationbetween components may be facilitated through HTTP. However, certainother embodiments provide that other communication protocols,specifications, and transmission structures may be utilized.

It should be understood that many of the functional characteristics ofthe embodiments described in this specification may be implemented asmodules. Modules may include hardware circuits such as one or moreprocessors with memory, programmable logic, and/or discrete components.The hardware circuits may perform hardwired logic functions, executecomputer readable programs stored on non-signal storage devices, and/orexecute programmed functions. The computer readable programs may incombination with other elements perform the functions of theembodiments.

It will be readily understood by those having ordinary skill in the artthat embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment oran embodiment containing both hardware and software elements. Anembodiment that is implemented in software may include, but is notlimited to, firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.

The computer readable programs may be stored any non-signal medium.Examples of a non-signal medium include a semiconductor or solid statememory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random accessmemory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk and anoptical disk. Current examples of optical disks include compactdisk—read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk—read/write (CD-R/W) andDVD.

Accordingly, elements may be implemented on at least one electronicdevice running suitable software programs. These may also be implementedon at least one Integrated Circuit or part of at least one IntegratedCircuit. Thus, it is to be understood that the embodiments may beimplemented in a combination of both hardware and software. Again,computer/machine-readable programs may in combination with an electronicdevice perform the functions of the embodiments.

This disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order toexplain principles and practical application, and to enable others ofordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for variousembodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particularuse contemplated.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth exampleembodiments and, although specific terms are used, the description thusgiven uses terminology in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor purposes of limitation.

1. A system comprising: a base device having one or more processors therein, the base device having a first operating system; a display device having one or more processors therein, the display device having a second operating system; one or more communication links between the base device and the display device; a server module running on one of the display device and the base device, the server module configured to provide a communication interface with one of the display device and the base device; and a client module running on the other of the display device and the base device, the client module configured to communicate with the server module; wherein responsive to connecting the display device to the base device, the base device controls the display device through communications transmitted between the client module and the server module.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server module runs on the display device and the client module runs on the base device.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the display device is a tablet computing device.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server module comprises a web server.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the communications transmitted between the client module and the server module are transmitted using HTTP.
 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the server module supports server based notification to clients through which the server module communicates changes to the client module.
 7. The system according to claim 2, wherein the base device controlling the display device comprises controlling one or more display device hardware devices, one or more display device peripheral devices, and one or more display device applications.
 8. The system according to claim 2, wherein the base device controlling the display device through communications transmitted between the client module and the server module further comprises: one or more back end services running on the display device second operating system; wherein responsive to receiving one or more requests sent by the client module, the server passes the one or more requests to the one or more back end services, the one or more back end services being configured to implement the one or more requests on the display device.
 9. The system according to claim 8, further comprising: wherein responsive to receiving one or more requests sent by the client module, the server module passes the one or more requests to one or more servlets running on the server module, the one or more servlets being configured to transmit the one or more requests to the one or more back end services.
 10. The system according to claim 9, further comprising: wherein the one or more requests are comprised of condition information and service information; wherein the condition information comprises information designating one or more condition characteristics; wherein the service information comprises information indicating which of the one or more back end services are designated to implement the one or more requests.
 11. A method comprising: communicating information through one or more communication links between: a base device having one or more processors and a first operating system; and a display device having one or more processors and a second operating system; running a server module on one of the display device and the base device, the server module configured to provide a communication interface with one of the display device and the base device; and running a client module on the other of the display device and the base device, the client module configured to communicate with the server module; wherein responsive to connecting the display device to the base device, the base device controls the display device through communications transmitted between the client module and the server module.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the server module runs on the display device and the client module runs on the base device.
 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the server module comprises a web server.
 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the communications transmitted between the client module and the server module are transmitted using HTTP.
 15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the base device controlling the display device comprises controlling one or more display device hardware devices, one or more display device peripheral devices, and one or more display device applications.
 16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the base device controlling the display device through communications transmitted between the client module and the server module further comprises: one or more back end services running on the display device second operating system; wherein responsive to receiving one or more requests sent by the client module, the server module passes the one or more requests to the one or more back end services, the one or more back end services being configured to implement the one or more requests on the display device.
 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: wherein responsive to receiving one or more requests sent by the client module, the server module passes the one or more requests to one or more servlets running on the server module, the one or more servlets being configured to transmit the one or more requests to the one or more back end services.
 18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: wherein the one or more requests are comprised of condition information and service information; wherein the condition information comprises information designating one or more condition characteristics; wherein the service information comprises information indicating which of the one or more back end services are designated to implement the one or more requests.
 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: wherein the one or more requests comprise a request to change a brightness display setting on the display device; wherein the condition information comprises a brightness level value and the service information comprises a designation of the one or more back end services that handle brightness display settings on the display device.
 20. A computer program product comprising: a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith, the computer readable program code comprising: computer readable program code configured to communicate information through one or more communication links between: a base device having one or more processors and a first operating system; and a display device having one or more processors and a second operating system; computer readable program code configured to run a server module on one of the display device and the base device, the server module configured to provide a communication interface with one of the display device and the base device; computer readable program code configured to run a client module on the other of the display device and the base device, the client module configured to communicate with the server module; and computer readable program code configured to transmit communications between the client module and the server module, the base device controlling the display device through the communications responsive to connecting the display device to the base device. 